CTWG: END OF WIDEBAND OPERATION

TO: ALL CTWG MEMBERS
FM: HQ Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol
DT: 9/21/2009
RE: END OF WIDEBAND OPERATION

As you may know, the Communications Directorate and Project Management have been, over the past year, replacing all of our Repeaters throughout the state.

As of 30 September 2009, the Civil Air Patrol Federal authorization to operate on current existing Wideband Frequencies will end. As of 1 October 2009, we cannot use the old frequencies and must be converted to Narrowband.

So, what does this mean?

First, the Vertex Radios, Neutec Radios, and all the old converted Ham Radios that are still lurking out there can no longer be used on the air. Unlike before, there are now REAL technical issues behind this. If you do try to, most likely the only thing you will do is cause interference on channels next to us. The New radios and the repeaters will not be able to hear you. (Though you might be able to hear the new radios)

Wing currently has a Stock of New radios that we are getting ready for distribution to the squadrons and the Vans. Several have already been done, and for those radios we can re-program, we will do so on Commander’s Call on 7 October 2009.

During the week of 27 September 2009, we will be chasing down the aircraft to re-program the CAP FM Aircraft Radio. We will coordinate with Operations on this, and also schedule a ‘Pilots” meeting with our pilots and scanners.

We will also be having a Wing Wide Communications Meeting soon to help with the transition. The Communications Directorate will coordinate this.

Also, the Middletown repeater will be turned off on Wednesday Night, 30 September 2009. It will (at the present time), not be replaced. Our network will cover the areas that Middletown covered.

As far as member owned radios go, we will come up with the programming template and at date / time to get these radios done.

But PLEASE, after 30 September 2009, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE OLD CHANNELS.

If you have any questions, please contact Major Kelling at the Communications directorate.

Lt. Col. Matthew J. Valleau
Vice Commander – Project Management
Director of Engineering
Connecticut Wing Civil Air Patrol